We must not abandon them, we are needed.

The climate that we are in is a dangerous one for many, especially refugees. There has never been a time more in need of action, voices and livelihood. There has never been a time more in need of you, never a time more in need of us.

The risk of mental illness is only increased with the contributing stressor of their unpredictable immigration status, which if refused could lead to extreme poverty and facing the threat of detention. Going from an already traumatic history into a promised “safe” world that still feels uneasy and untrustworthy – what else could we expect? We have mentioned previously language and cultural barriers, alongside competing priorities that often block the gateway to discussing mental health issues. This could lead to misdiagnosis or missing psychological disorders entirely due to somatic complaints. There also needs to be an acknowledgement of the appropriateness of the western model of tackling mental health problems. Talking about your emotions and feelings is something common here, but to a socio-centric individual, this concept would be totally alien. Instead of asking how someone is feeling a more productive question such as, “what would you like to do?” would get a more promising step forward, (Summerfield 2001). Some may view this is as insignificant or irrelevant, but it is these small changes that need to be highlighted and held up high because it is this effort that will avoid refugees “slipping through the net”, and suffering in silence, completely alone.

What do we do now?

Having interpreters available could be one of the greatest comforts to a refugee. Having someone understand the language they know best, and be able to translate their concerns to get help would be a huge relief. It would be much better than being frustrated with themselves and receiving frustration from others. Could you offer your expertise to your local council or refugee/asylum seeking organisation?

Training in cultural differences for professionals and help in cultural awareness for individuals would enable either to get a grasp of cultural sensitivity and how to deal with diverse populations. This is not a one way street. There is increasing negative attitudes toward refugees in high-income countries, but we cannot expect them to flee to safety and automatically change their lifelong norms and values to know ours. We must make the same effort for them.

Finally, we must not abandon them. Whether that is by continuing to educate ourselves in their history, or continuing to talk about their crisis. We must treat them like our own, like our neighbours, and our closest companions. Allah knows the scenes they have witnessed and the trauma they have endured, wouldn’t you want to be among those which ease the hardships of their own family?

Most importantly, we must not give up hope. There are millions that have been left behind and it is for their sake we must continue to strive. Now more than ever we have to be relentless in our adiyaat and generous in our donations – whilst a blanket may not solve their political issues, it may be a source of comfort. It will be a reminder that they have family on the other side of the world that are thinking of them, that are trying to help them by any means, and they have family that truly feel their pain.

Do not underestimate the power and awaiting victory promised of individual action, dua and donations.

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Meanha Begum is currently studying a degree in Islamic Psychology where she has been given the blessing to explore her passions, Islam and Psychology. She relishes in the insight of an Islamic perspective to incorporate into psychology, to help those who have never been given a chance that every devout muslim, and non muslim deserves. Which is why she considers Inspirited Minds to be a huge blessing in her life. She has been brought up in a heavy western environment, where Islam was once far from her reach, but through trials and tribulations, she has managed to come out stronger and closer to Allah than ever before. It's simply her experiences, ideas, and open nature that pushes her towards wanting to help others out of their vulnerable places, through their journey, and into happiness, with tranquil souls.

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3 Comments

I firstly would like to thank you for providing such a thought-provoking and informative post. I definitely agree that refugees and those in countries under terrorist attacks and civil unrest will be where mental health interventions will be needed most. My name is Azeem Butt I studied psychology at Salford University. I would really like to discuss with you the possibility of a collaboration in the future. The translation idea you came up with is brilliant I also have a further suggestion which I would like to discuss with you in private. Please contact me by email on a.i.butt@edu.salford.ac.uk.

salam alaikom sistar meanha,
sorry this is a lazy question but would you have any leads on how one gets in helping refugees with local council or refugees organisations or whether you can sign post us in right direction?
Christmas Mubarak on to you and IM team
fe aman Allah
salam alaikom